The leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has engaged Dangote Group management over the recurring accidents involving the company’s trucks in student communities across the country.
The meeting, which was held at the Dangote Refinery Administrative Block in Lagos, brought together the Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. D.V.G. Edwin, alongside other senior officials of the company, and the student leaders led by Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, President of NAPS, and Comrade Olushola L. Oladoja, President of NANS.
Speaking during the session, Comrade Oghayan expressed grave concern over the rising cases of accidents, many of which had claimed lives and left students injured. He noted that the union could no longer fold its arms while Nigerian students continued to suffer untold hardship, insisting on urgent intervention, proper compensation, and comprehensive reforms to protect students.
On his part, Comrade Oladoja of NANS echoed the call for justice and safety, stressing that most of the accidents were preventable. He demanded stricter compliance to safety standards, holding Dangote Group accountable for every truck bearing its logo, whether owned directly or operated by independent contractors.
In response, Dangote Group officials assured the unions of concrete actions. The Director of Insurance, Mr. Obashola Alo, revealed that one of the accident victims had already been airlifted to Lagos for specialised treatment and that support had been extended to others. He also affirmed that the company would not abandon any victim.
The Vice President of Dangote Industries, Mr. Edwin, further disclosed that all Dangote truck drivers are undergoing compulsory recertification, while advanced surveillance systems are being deployed to monitor compliance and reduce incidents. He pledged stronger collaboration with the unions to ensure transparency, accountability, and safety.
At the end of the engagement, both NAPS and NANS secured a firm commitment from the Dangote Group to prioritise student safety and provide justice for victims of accidents. The unions reaffirmed their resolve to sustain monitoring and advocacy until meaningful results are achieved.
